Keyless Entry Device for Haptic Communications

ABSTRACT

A keyless entry device is provided. The keyless entry device includes a transceiver, a haptic actuator coupled to a drive circuit, and a processor coupled to the transceiver and the drive circuit. The transceiver communicates with a vehicle over a communication channel. The processor determines proximity information between the keyless entry device and the vehicle, selects a control signal based on the proximity information, and outputs the control signal to the drive circuit to cause the haptic actuator to periodically or continuously generate a haptic effect to a user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/926,828 (filed on Jun. 25, 2013), which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/696,388 (filed on Jan. 29, 2010) now U.S.Pat. No. 8,493,177 (issued on Jul. 23, 2013), the contents of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD

The invention relates to systems, devices, and methods for communicatingvehicle information from a vehicle to a keyless entry device usinghaptic feedback.

BACKGROUND

Keyless entry devices enable a user to control various vehiclefunctions. For example, the user may use a key fob to send one or morecommands to a car that causes the car to lock and unlock doors, open andclose windows, arm and disarm a security system, and perform othervehicle functions.

Typically, the vehicle does not communicate information to the keylessentry device. Thus, although the vehicle may respond to such commands,the vehicle does so by generating audio and/or visual cues at thevehicle and not at the keyless entry device. For instance, a car maysound a horn or flash its lights in response to a user sending a commandto lock the car doors.

However, one or both of these responses may be inappropriate when theuser wishes to discretely control vehicle functions or when the user isunable to discern such responses. For example, a user may not wish todisturb neighbors with an audible sound or flashing lights; ahearing-impaired user may not hear a horn and/or other sound thatresponds to a command to lock the car doors.

Another result of failing to communicate vehicle information to keylessentry devices is that existing systems communicate vehicle information(such as maintenance reminders or warnings) to the user in the form oflights or messages that are displayed inside the vehicle. Accordingly,the user must typically be inside the vehicle to receive the vehicleinformation. However, the user may ignore, not notice, forget about, orotherwise not receive the vehicle information. Another result of failingto communicate vehicle information to keyless entry devices is thatexisting systems may fail to notify the user of warnings before the userarrives at the vehicle. For example, a car may determine that thereexists a dangerous condition (such as a break-in in progress orunauthorized entry into the car). Existing systems may not alert theuser before the user arrives at the car. Another result of failing tocommunicate vehicle information to keyless entry devices is thatexisting systems fail to help a user locate a vehicle. Thus, oftentimesusers employ inadequate techniques to locate the vehicle using existingsystems. For instance, the user may park a car in a crowded parking lotand forget where the car is parked. The user may attempt to find the carby sending a command to the car and then looking for flashing lights orlistening for an audible sound made by the car in response to thecommand. However, flashing lights may be difficult to see duringdaylight while the audible sound may be difficult to hear in a noisyparking lot.

These and other drawbacks exist.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention advantageously provide a keylessentry device, a method for generating haptic feedback at a keyless entrydevice, and a computer-readable medium storing instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor of a keyless entry device, cause the keylessentry device to generate haptic feedback.

In certain embodiments, a keyless entry device includes a transceiver, ahaptic actuator coupled to a drive circuit, and a processor coupled tothe transceiver and the drive circuit. The transceiver communicates witha vehicle over a communication channel. The processor determinesproximity information between the keyless entry device and the vehicle,selects a control signal based on the proximity information, and outputsthe control signal to the drive circuit to cause the haptic actuator toperiodically or continuously generate a haptic effect to a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for hapticallycommunicating vehicle information from a vehicle to a keyless entrydevice via a communication channel and/or to a secondary contact viaanother communication channel, according to various implementations ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle device forcommunicating vehicle information from a vehicle to a keyless entrydevice, according to various implementations of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary keyless entry device forcommunicating vehicle information from a vehicle using haptic feedback,according to various implementations of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates examples of a keyless entry device, according tovarious implementations of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates examples of a vehicle interface component, accordingto various implementations of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for generating hapticfeedback at a keyless entry device based on a response from a vehicle,according to various implementations of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for generating hapticfeedback at a keyless entry device when in communication range with avehicle, according to various implementations of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process for generating acontrol signal at a vehicle that causes haptic feedback at a keylessentry device, according to various implementations of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various implementations of the invention relate to systems, devices andmethods for communicating vehicle information from a vehiclecommunicably coupled to a keyless entry device operated by a user. Thesystem may include a vehicle device coupled to the vehicle that mayobtain vehicle information that is related to the vehicle. The vehicledevice may generate a control signal based on the vehicle informationsuch that different control signals may be generated for differentvehicle information. The vehicle device may communicate the controlsignal to the keyless entry device. The control signal may cause thekeyless entry device to output one or more haptic effects(interchangeably referred to hereinafter as “haptic effect” or “hapticeffects”), thereby haptically communicating the vehicle information atthe keyless entry device.

In some implementations of the invention, the keyless entry device maycommunicate to the vehicle a command to perform one or more vehiclefunctions. The vehicle may communicate to the keyless entry device aresponse, which may include the control signal, to the command. In someimplementations of the invention, the response may acknowledge receiptof the command. In some implementations of the invention, the responsemay be related to the command. For example, the response may include aconfirmation that the command has been successfully performed. Thus, theuser may receive a haptic effect at the keyless entry device thatindicates that the command is complete. In some implementations of theinvention, the response may be unrelated to the command. For example,the response may include vehicle information (such as an oil changereminder), thereby causing a haptic effect at the keyless entry devicethat communicates the oil change reminder. In this manner, the user mayreceive haptic effects at the keyless entry device in response tocommands communicated from the keyless entry device to the vehicle.

In some implementations of the invention, the keyless entry device mayreceive the control signal prior to communicating the command to thevehicle. For example, a communication channel between the keyless entrydevice and the vehicle may be established when the two are incommunication range of one another. The vehicle may communicate thecontrol signal to the keyless entry device before the keyless entrydevice communicates the command to the vehicle, thereby proactivelyalerting the user of the vehicle information. For instance, the vehiclemay communicate proximity information that may indicate that the vehicleand the keyless entry device are within communication range of oneanother. In this manner, the user may receive haptic effectscorresponding to vehicle information at the keyless entry device withouthandling the keyless entry device (such as when the keyless entry deviceis in the user's pocket).

In some implementations of the invention, different haptic effects maybe output by the keyless entry device depending on a distance and/orsignal strength of the communication channel between the vehicle and thekeyless entry device. In this manner, the user may receive differenthaptic effects at the keyless entry device based on the distance betweenthe vehicle and the keyless entry device.

In some implementations of the invention, the keyless entry device maystore the control signal for periodic or substantially continuous hapticeffects that remind the user of the vehicle information.

In some implementations of the invention, the vehicle device maycommunicate the vehicle information to a secondary contact. The vehicleinformation may be communicated to the secondary contact when thekeyless entry device does not indicate receipt of the vehicleinformation. In this manner, when a user ignores or otherwise does notrespond to a vehicle warning that indicates a safety problem of thevehicle, for example, the vehicle device may communicate the vehicleinformation to the secondary contact.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 100 for hapticallycommunicating vehicle information from vehicle 110 to keyless entrydevice 140 via communication channel 102 and/or to secondary contact 160via communication channel 104, according to various implementations ofthe invention. “Haptically communicating” or haptic communication refersto communicating information by causing an output of one or moredifferent haptic effects for different information. A haptic effect mayinclude one or more vibratory sensations, pulse sensations, and/or othertouch sensations.

Vehicle 110 may be a car, a boat, a motorcycle, or other vehicleoperated by a user and having one or more vehicle functions that may becontrolled by keyless entry device 140. Keyless entry device 140 mayinclude a remote key fob, a smart key, a cellular device, and/or otherdevice that may be used to communicate one or more commands to a vehicleinstructing the vehicle to perform one or more vehicle functions.Vehicle functions may include, for instance, locking and/or unlockingdoors, opening and/or closing windows, arming and/or disarming asecurity system, and/or other vehicle functions that may be remotelycontrolled.

Secondary contact 160 may include, for instance, a computing and/orother communication device used by a third party such as a spouse of theuser, an emergency services operator (such as a police operator, firedepartment operator, or other emergency call center operator), and/orother person or entity that may receive the vehicle information.

According to various implementations of the invention, the vehicleinformation may include maintenance information, warning information,response information, proximity information, and/or other informationrelated to vehicle 110. In some implementations, the vehicle informationmay be communicated to keyless entry device 140 as a control signal.

Maintenance information may include, for instance, an oil changereminder, low fuel indication, and/or other information related tomaintaining the vehicle. Thus, the user may be informed of maintenanceinformation, for example, through keyless entry device 140.

Warning information may include, for instance, an indication that asecurity system of vehicle 110 has been triggered, an indication that anindividual is inside and/or nearby vehicle 110, an indication that oneor more tires of vehicle 110 have an unsafe level of tire pressure,and/or other information that may alert the user to a dangerouscondition of vehicle 110. In this manner, the user may be alerted todangerous conditions at keyless entry device 140 before arriving atvehicle 110.

Response information may include, for instance, information that is areply to one or more commands from keyless entry device 140. Forexample, the response information may include a status of the one ormore commands such as confirmation that one or more commands have beenreceived and/or that one or more vehicle functions have been performedby vehicle 110. In this manner, the user may receive from vehicle 110 aresponse to the command.

Proximity information may include, for instance, information indicatinga signal strength and/or distance between vehicle 110 and keyless entrydevice 140. Proximity information may indicate to the user of keylessentry device 140 that the user is within communication range of vehicle110. For example, the proximity information may indicate that vehicle110 and keyless entry device 140 are within communication range of oneanother (i.e., communication channel 102 may be established). This maybe useful when, for instance, a user attempts to locate vehicle 110,when a user is unaware that a smart key has established a communicationwith vehicle 110, when different haptic effects should be communicatedto the user as the user approaches or gets further from vehicle 110,and/or other situations where indicating proximity between keyless entrydevice 140 and vehicle 110 are useful.

According to various implementations of the invention, vehicle 110 mayinclude a vehicle device 120 (described below with reference to FIG. 2)that obtains the vehicle information and generates a control signalbased on the vehicle information. The control signal may be output tokeyless entry device 140 (described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and4) over communication channel 102 and/or to a vehicle interface device130 (described below with reference to FIG. 5).

According to various implementations of the invention, communicationchannel 102 may include a short-range radio transmission channel orother known short-range communication transmissions used for keylessentry systems. In some implementations of the invention, the controlsignal may cause keyless entry device 140 and/or vehicle interfacedevice 130 to output a haptic effect.

According to various implementations of the invention, vehicle device120 may communicate the vehicle information to secondary contact 160using communication channel 104. Communication channel 104 may include anetwork such as the Internet, a telephone network such as a PublicSwitched Telephone Network, a long-range radio transmission network,and/or other long-range communication network.

According to some implementations of the invention, the vehicleinformation is communicated to secondary contact 160 when vehicle device120 does not receive an indication that a user of keyless entry device140 and/or vehicle interface device 130 has received the vehicleinformation. In this manner, secondary contact 160 may receive thevehicle information when the user has not indicated receipt of thevehicle information. In other words, according to some implementations,secondary contact 160 may be a backup contact when the user does notrespond to or otherwise does not acknowledge receipt of the vehicleinformation.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary vehicle device 120 forcommunicating vehicle information from vehicle 110 to keyless entrydevice 140, according to various implementations of the invention.Through various modules, vehicle device 120 may obtain the vehicleinformation, receive commands to perform vehicle functions, generate andoutput a control signal that causes a haptic effect to communicate thevehicle information, and/or perform other functions. Vehicle device 120may include, for instance, a vehicle information module 222, a proximitymodule 224, a command response module 226, an output module 228, asecondary contact module 230, a memory 232, a processor 234, and/orother suitable modules.

According to various implementations of the invention, vehicleinformation module 222 may obtain (i.e., receive and/or retrieve) thevehicle information. To obtain the vehicle information, vehicleinformation module 222 may include or otherwise interface with one ormore known computing systems (not otherwise illustrated in FIG. 2) thatreport or otherwise monitor vehicle information functions of vehicle 110that report the vehicle information. The vehicle information functionsmay include, for example, diagnostic functions that troubleshootproblems with the vehicle, maintenance functions that keep track ofscheduled or other vehicle maintenance, monitoring functions thatmonitor a presence of individuals inside or nearby vehicle 110, sensorfunctions that determine whether the security system of vehicle 110 hasbeen or should be triggered, and/or other functions that may observe acondition of vehicle 110.

According to various implementations of the invention, proximity module224 may determine whether vehicle 110 and keyless entry device 140 arein communication range. According to various implementations of theinvention, vehicle 110 and keyless entry device 140 are in communicationrange when there exists sufficient signal strength of a communicationtransmitted from vehicle 110 and received by keyless entry device 140and/or vice versa. Proximity module 224 may measure the signal strengthusing known techniques. According to various implementations of theinvention, the signal strength may be sufficient when a distance betweenvehicle 110 and keyless entry device 140 is sufficiently small.

According to various implementations of the invention, proximity module224 may determine the distance by Global Positioning System informationfrom keyless entry device 140 and vehicle 110, estimating signalstrength of a communication keyless entry device 140, Doppler shifteffects of a signal communicated from keyless entry device 140, and/orother appropriate technique to determine the distance.

According to various implementations of the invention, proximity module224 may determine the distance and/or signal strength at one or moretime points such that the distance between vehicle 110 and keyless entrydevice 140 may be tracked over time. In this manner, vehicle 110 maydetermine whether keyless entry device 140 is moving closer to or movingaway from vehicle 110 and/or whether a user is moving from an areahaving one level of signal strength to another area having a differentlevel of signal strength.

According to various implementations of the invention, vehicle device120 may vary the haptic effects as a function of the distance. In theseimplementations, vehicle device 120 may cause different haptic effectsbased on the distance and/or signal strength between vehicle 110 andkeyless entry device 140. In other words, vehicle device 120 may causedifferent haptic effects by, for instance, increasing (or decreasing)the magnitude of force, changing a type of vibration (such as fromconstant vibration to pulsing vibration), and/or otherwise altering thehaptic effects that are generated at keyless entry device 140 and/orvehicle interface device 130.

In some implementations, vehicle device 120 may cause different hapticeffects by generating a first control signal that causes a first hapticeffect and generating a second control signal that causes a secondhaptic effect. Vehicle device 120 may communicate the first controlsignal at a first distance between vehicle 110 and keyless entry device140 and may communicate the second control signal at a second distancebetween vehicle 110 and keyless entry device 140, thereby causingdifferent haptic effects at different distances.

In some implementations, the first control signal and the second controlsignal may be communicated to keyless entry device 140 at substantiallythe same time. In this manner, keyless entry device 140 may receive thefirst control signal and the second control signal at substantially thesame time and use the first control signal to generate the first hapticeffect at the first distance and use the second control signal togenerate the second haptic effect at the second distance. In someimplementations, a single control signal may cause keyless entry device140 to output different haptic effects at different distances.

In some implementations, when keyless entry device 140 is moved awayfrom vehicle 110, vehicle device 120 may detect an increased distanceand/or decreased signal strength as compared to a prior distance and/orsignal strength. Vehicle device 120 may cause keyless entry device 140to output a different haptic effect as compared to when keyless entrydevice 140 is closer to vehicle 110. For example, vehicle 110 maydetermine that the user is moving away from vehicle 110 and may cause astronger haptic effect to be generated at keyless entry device 140 ascompared to when the user is closer, thereby communicating a strongermessage before the user moves out of communication range.

In some implementations, as keyless entry device 140 approaches vehicle110, vehicle device 120 may cause a different haptic effect (such as astronger haptic effect) as compared to when the user is further fromvehicle 110. For example, a user may attempt to locate vehicle 110 in aparking lot. Vehicle device 120 may determine that keyless entry device140 and vehicle 110 are within communication range and cause a firsthaptic effect to be output at keyless entry device 140. As the usercarrying keyless entry device 140 gets closer to vehicle 110, vehicledevice 120 may cause keyless entry device 140 to output a second hapticeffect different from the first haptic effect, thereby communicating tothe user that the distance has changed. In an example operation, theuser may feel a stronger (or otherwise different) haptic effect fromkeyless device 140 as the user approaches vehicle 110. Thus, vehicledevice 120 may haptically convey the proximity information to the userat keyless entry device 140, assisting the user to locate vehicle 110.

According to various implementations of the invention, when vehicledevice 120 determines that keyless entry device 140 and vehicle 110 arewithin communication range of one another, vehicle device 120 may obtainthe vehicle information and cause keyless entry device 140 to output ahaptic effect that corresponds to the vehicle information, therebycommunicating the vehicle information at keyless entry device 140.

In some implementations, vehicle device 120 may communicate the vehicleinformation prior to receiving a command from keyless entry device 140.For example, the vehicle information may include the proximityinformation to keyless entry device 140, thereby alerting the user thatkeyless entry device 140 is within communication range of vehicle 110.This may be useful when keyless entry device 140 is a smart key that mayperform vehicle functions such as unlocking a car door without a userpressing a button or otherwise interacting with keyless entry device140. Thus, vehicle device 120 may proactively alert the user byhaptically communicating the vehicle information to keyless entry device140 after communication channel 102 is established and before vehicledevice 120 receives a command from keyless entry device 140.

According to various implementations of the invention, command responsemodule 226 may receive an indication that a command to perform one ormore vehicle functions has been received from keyless entry device 140.Once the indication is received, command response module 226 may respondto the command by communicating a response to keyless entry device 140.In some implementations, the response may cause keyless entry device 140to output a haptic effect, thereby haptically communicating the responseat keyless entry device 140.

According to various implementations of the invention, the response maybe related to the command. For example, the response may include vehicleinformation that indicates a status of the command. The status mayinclude an indication of whether the command has been successfullyperformed. In some implementations, the status may acknowledge receiptof the command, indicate whether the one or more functions in responseto the command have been completed, and/or other information thatindicates the status of the command. In operation, a user may press alock button (for example) of keyless entry device 140, causing keylessentry device 140 to communicate a command to vehicle 110 to lock cardoors. Command response module 226 may receive an indication that thecommand has been received and may communicate a response to keylessentry device 140. The response may cause keyless entry device 140 tooutput a haptic effect, thereby haptically communicating the response atkeyless entry device 140.

According to various implementations of the invention, the response maybe unrelated to the command. For example, the response may includevehicle information such as maintenance information when the command isunrelated to vehicle maintenance. In some implementations, a user maypress a lock button of keyless entry device 140, causing keyless entrydevice 140 to communicate a command to vehicle 110 to lock car doors.Command response module 226 may receive an indication that the commandhas been received and may communicate a control signal corresponding toan oil change reminder to keyless entry device 140. The oil changereminder may cause keyless entry device 140 to output a haptic effect,thereby haptically communicating the oil change reminder at keylessentry device 140. In this manner, when command response module 226receives an indication that a command has been communicated from keylessentry device 140, vehicle device 120 may haptically communicate vehicleinformation that is unrelated to the command to keyless entry device140.

According to various implementations of the invention, output module 228may communicate the vehicle information to keyless entry device 140. Insome implementations, output module 228 may encode the vehicleinformation as a control signal that causes keyless entry device 140 tooutput a haptic effect. The control signal may include, for instance, asignal that directly causes keyless entry device 140 to output a hapticeffect, a signal that includes a code (such as binary, text, or othercode) that is decoded at or otherwise translated by keyless entry device140 to cause the haptic effect, and/or other information that causeskeyless entry device 140 to output the haptic effect.

According to various implementations of the invention, output module 228may include or otherwise interface with a transceiver (not otherwiseillustrated in FIG. 2) in order to establish communication channel 102and/or communication channel 104. Output module 228 may securecommunication channel 102 using known techniques, such as, for example,rolling code verification. Communication channel 102 may be secured toprevent vehicle 110 from communicating with a keyless entry device notpaired with or otherwise configured to receive communication withvehicle 110 (and vice versa).

In some implementations, a new rolling code may be established whenvehicle device 120 responds to keyless entry device 140, therebypreventing communications from vehicle 110 from being received bykeyless entry devices not paired with or otherwise not configured tocommunicate with vehicle 110.

In some implementations, “communication channel” may include more thanone such instance of generating a new rolling code between vehicle 110and keyless entry device 140. For example, a rolling code may be used toestablish communication channel 102 when keyless entry device 140 sendsa command to vehicle 110. In response, vehicle 110 may use a new rollingcode to send a response on communication channel 102 to keyless entrydevice 140. In this manner, more than one rolling code may be used toestablish and maintain communication channel 102.

According to various implementations of the invention, secondary contactmodule 230 may communicate the vehicle information to a third partyindividual or other entity via secondary contact 160. In someimplementations, secondary contact module 230 may communicate thevehicle information to the third party when keyless entry device 140 hasnot acknowledged receipt of the vehicle information communicated fromvehicle 110.

According to various implementations of the invention, memory 232 maystore the vehicle information and/or other information for communicatingwith keyless entry device 140. In some implementations, memory 232 maystore a control signal table that maps the vehicle information todifferent haptic effects. For example, the control signal table mayassociate an “oil change reminder” maintenance information with acontrol signal that causes a particular haptic effect that hapticallycommunicates the oil change reminder to be output by keyless entrydevice 140. According to various implementations of the invention,processor 234 may include one or more processors configured to performvarious functions, such as the functions provided by vehicle device 120.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary keyless entry device 140 forcommunicating vehicle information from vehicle 110 using hapticfeedback, according to various implementations of the invention. Throughvarious modules, keyless entry device 140 may communicate one or morecommands to vehicle 110, receive responses from vehicle 110, generatehaptic effects caused by the responses, and/or perform other functionsthat facilitate communication to and from a user operating keyless entrydevice 140.

According to various implementations of the invention, keyless entrydevice 140 may include, for instance, a processor 302, a memory 304, abus 308, input/output devices CIO device 310″), a drive circuit 312, ahaptic actuator 314, a transceiver 316, and/or other appropriate modulesthat may facilitate communication to and from a user operating keylessentry device 140. In some implementations, various modules of keylessentry device 140 may use bus 308 to communicate with one another.

According to various implementations of the invention, processor 302 mayinclude one or more processors that are configured to perform thefunctions provided by keyless entry device 140. Memory 304 may store thevehicle information, responses from vehicle 110, a table such as thecontrol signal table described above, and/or other information forcommunicating with vehicle 110 and/or generating haptic effects.

According to various implementations of the invention, I/O device 310may include user interface members (not otherwise illustrated in FIG. 3)that receive input from a user operating keyless entry device 140 and/orgenerate output to the user. I/O device 310 may include, for instance, amechanical button, a touch screen, a touch panel, a microphone, a LightEmitting Diode, an audio speaker, and/or other mechanism for receivinginput from the user and/or generating output to the user. When receivinginput from the user, I/O device 310 may cause one or more commands to becommunicated from keyless entry device 140 to vehicle 110. In someimplementations, I/O device 310 may output visual and/or audio to theuser. For example, the control signal from vehicle 110 may cause keylessentry device 140 to output haptic effects, audio effects, and/or visualeffects (such as text, lights, and/or other visual output).

According to various implementations of the invention, drive circuit 312may be coupled to haptic actuator 314. Drive circuit 312 may receive thecontrol signal that causes haptic actuator 314 to generate one or morehaptic effects. Haptic actuator 314 may include, for instance, apiezoelectric actuator, a rotating mass actuator, a solenoid, and/orother mechanism for generating haptic effects.

According to various implementations of the invention, transceiver 316may send and/or receive communications from vehicle 110, therebyestablishing communication channel 102 described above. In someimplementations, transceiver 316 may secure communication channel 102,such as by using rolling code verification described above with regardto vehicle device 120. Transceiver 316 may communicate to vehicle 110 acommand that causes vehicle 110 to perform one or more vehiclefunctions. In some implementations, transceiver 316 may receive acommunication (such as the vehicle information) from vehicle 110.

According to various implementations of the invention, keyless entrymodule 318 may use transceiver 316 to establish communication channel102, communicate one or more commands to vehicle 110, receive and reactto communications from vehicle 110, and/or perform other functions ofkeyless entry device 140. Keyless entry module 318 may receive thecontrol signal described above in relation to vehicle device 120 fromvehicle 110. Keyless entry module 318 may cause haptic actuator 314 tooutput a haptic effect in response to the received control signal.

In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 may directly apply thecontrol signal to haptic actuator 314 (via drive circuit 312, forexample), thereby causing haptic actuator 314 to output a particularhaptic effect. Thus, according to some implementations, the controlsignal may be encoded to directly cause haptic actuator 314 to outputthe particular haptic effect.

In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 may determine aparticular haptic effect by mapping the control signal using the controlsignal table. In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 maydecode the control signal and map the decoded control signal to aparticular haptic effect. For example, the control signal may be decodedsuch that the decoded control signal indicates the vehicle information,such as an oil change reminder. Keyless entry module 318 may perform alookup of the decoded control signal using control signal table (orotherwise using other haptic effect mappings stored in memory 304),which may map the vehicle information to the particular haptic effect tobe output. Keyless entry module 318 may then cause haptic actuator 314to output the particular haptic effect. In some implementations, keylessentry module 318 may use IO device 310 to display the vehicleinformation at keyless device 140 and/or output an audio sound thatcorresponds to the vehicle information. In some implementations of theinvention, the control signal may directly cause the visual and/or audioeffects. In some implementations, the control signal may be decoded (asdescribed above) at keyless entry device 140 to cause the visual and/oraudio effects.

According to various implementations of the invention, keyless entrymodule 318 may communicate a command to vehicle 110. For example,keyless entry module 318 may receive an indication that JO device 310has been manipulated to communicate the command (such as lock car door).Keyless entry module 318 may attempt to initiate or otherwise attempt toestablish communication channel 102 in order to communicate the commandon communication channel 102. In some implementations, when thecommunication channel cannot be established (such as when keyless entrymodule 318 and vehicle 110 are not in communication range of oneanother) or when the command cannot otherwise be communicated to vehicle110, keyless entry module 318 may cause haptic actuator 314 to generatea haptic effect that conveys the failure.

In some implementations, when communication channel 102 is establishedand after the command is communicated, keyless entry module 318 mayreceive the control signal from vehicle 110. In other words, keylessentry module 318 may receive a response to the command from vehicle 110.

In some implementations, the response may be related to the command. Forexample, the response may confirm receipt of the command or otherwiseindicate a status of the command, as discussed above in relation tovehicle device 120. In some implementations, the response may beunrelated to the command. For example, the response may indicate vehicleinformation (that does not confirm receipt of the command or isotherwise unrelated to the command). For example, keyless entry device140 may communicate a command to lock car doors and may receive aresponse from vehicle 110 that includes an oil change reminder, therebyreceiving a response unrelated to the command.

According to various implementations of the invention, keyless entrymodule 318 may store the control signal or information derived from thecontrol signal (collectively, “stored control signal”) in memory 304. Insome implementations, the control signal itself may be stored. Forexample, the control signal may be decoded and information from thedecoded control signal may be stored.

In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 may periodically orcontinuously cause haptic actuator 314 to output a haptic effect basedon the stored control signal. For example, the stored control signal mayperiodically cause haptic actuator 314 to output a haptic effectassociated with the oil change reminder. In this manner, when keylessentry device 140 is moved out of communication range with vehicle 110,keyless entry module 318 may continue to haptically communicate the oilchange reminder (or other vehicle information) at keyless entry device140, thereby reminding the user of the oil change reminder when the useris away from vehicle 110 but still in contact (e.g., visual, audio,and/or tactile contact) with keyless entry device 140.

In some implementations, the stored control signal may cause actuator314 to continuously output a haptic effect. For example, when keylessentry device 140 is moved out of communication range with vehicle 110,keyless entry module 318 may cause a continuous haptic effect to beoutput by actuator 314, thereby alerting the user of the vehicleinformation (such as a warning indicating a dangerous condition). Insome implementations, keyless entry module 318 may deactivate thecontinuous haptic effect when the dangerous condition is resolved and/orotherwise acknowledged by the user (such as by returning to vehicle 110or using JO device 310 to acknowledge receipt of the warning). In someimplementations, keyless entry module 318 may cause haptic actuator 314to output the haptic effect at a later time when the dangerous conditionis not resolved. In other words, keyless entry device 140 may include asnooze feature to temporarily discontinue the haptic effects for apredetermined time.

According to various implementations of the invention, keyless entrymodule 318 may determine proximity information such as a distance and/orsignal strength between keyless entry device 140 and vehicle 110. Thus,keyless entry module 318 may perform functions similar to functionsprovided by proximity module 224 described above in relation to vehicledevice 120.

In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 may determine thatkeyless entry device 140 is in communication range with vehicle 110. Insome implementations, keyless entry module 318 may establishcommunication channel 102 with vehicle 110 when keyless entry module 318and vehicle 110 are in communication range of one another. Vehicle 110or keyless entry module 318 may initiate establishment of communicationchannel 102. In other words, keyless entry device 140 may actively orpassively establish communication channel 102.

In some implementations, when communication channel 102 is established,keyless entry module 318 may receive the control signal from vehicle 110prior to communicating a command to vehicle 110. For example, keylessentry device 140 may include a smart key that does not require userintervention to communicate a command to vehicle 110. In this manner,when keyless entry device 140 is within communication range of vehicle110, keyless entry module 318 may receive the control signal beforesending the command.

According to various implementations of the invention, keyless entrymodule 318 may cause different haptic effects at different distancesfrom vehicle 110 and/or signal strengths with vehicle 110.

In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 may receive a firstcontrol signal corresponding to a first distance and may receive asecond control signal corresponding to a second distance. The firstcontrol signal may cause haptic actuator 314 to output a first hapticeffect and the second control signal may cause haptic actuator 314 tooutput a second haptic effect different from the first haptic effect,thereby outputting different haptic effects at different distancesand/or signal strengths. In this manner, keyless entry module 318 maycause a different haptic effect when keyless entry device 140 is movedcloser to or further away from vehicle 110.

In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 may receive the firstcontrol signal and the second control signal at substantially the sametime. In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 may store thefirst control signal and the second control signal in memory 304 suchthat the first haptic effect is output when keyless entry device 140arrives at or otherwise exceeds the first distance and the second hapticeffect is output when keyless entry device 140 arrives at or otherwiseexceeds the second distance.

In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 may receive the firstcontrol signal and the second control signal at different times. Forexample, keyless entry device 140 may receive the first control signalwhen at or past the first distance thereby causing the first hapticeffect and may receive the second control signal when at or past thesecond distance thereby causing the second haptic effect.

In some implementations, keyless entry module 318 may receive a singlecontrol signal that causes the first haptic effect at or past the firstdistance and the second haptic effect at or past the second distance.For example, the single control signal may be encoded such that keylessentry module 318 decodes the instructions encoded therein. Theinstructions may indicate the first distance, the first haptic effect,the second distance and the second haptic effect such that upon reachingor passing the first distance and the second distance, keyless entrymodule 318 causes actuator 314 to output the appropriate haptic effect.

In some implementations, keyless entry device 140 may use the proximityinformation to locate vehicle 110. For example, a user of keyless entrydevice 140 may attempt to find vehicle 110 in a parking lot. In someimplementations, the user may send a command to vehicle 110 to initiatea vehicle locator function that helps a user locate vehicle 110. Vehicle110 may respond to the command to initiate the vehicle locator functionby communicating proximity information to keyless entry device 140. Inother implementations, the user may manipulate 10 device 310 to instructkeyless entry device 140 to begin locating vehicle 110. Keyless entrydevice 140 may respond by, for example, determining the proximityinformation and generating haptic effects based on the proximityinformation.

In some implementations, as keyless entry device 140 gets closer tovehicle 110, keyless entry module 318 may cause haptic actuator 314 tooutput a stronger (or otherwise different) haptic effect as compared towhen keyless entry device 140 is further from vehicle 110 and viceversa. In this manner, the user may be provided with a stronger (orotherwise different) haptic effect at keyless entry device 140 in orderto help the user to locate vehicle 110, for example.

In some implementations, as keyless entry device 140 gets further fromvehicle 110, keyless entry module 318 may cause haptic actuator 314 tooutput a stronger (or otherwise different) haptic effect as compared towhen keyless entry device 140 is closer to vehicle 110 and vice versa.In this manner, the user may be provided with a stronger (or otherwisedifferent) haptic effect at keyless entry device 140 in order toincrease the likelihood that the user will notice the hapticcommunication before moving keyless entry device 140 out ofcommunication range with vehicle 110.

Thus, based on the strength (or different type) of haptic effectgenerated at keyless entry device 140, the user may discern whether theuser is getting closer to or further away from vehicle 110.

FIG. 4 illustrates examples of keyless entry device 140, according tovarious implementations of the invention. The example devicesillustrated in FIG. 4 and other example devices in drawing figures arenot exhaustive and are therefore non-limiting examples.

According to various implementations of the invention, keyless entrydevice 140 may include, for instance, a key fob 140 a, a key fob withintegrated key 140 b, a smart key 140 c, a cellular communication device140 d, and/or other device that may communicate one or more commands tovehicle 110 and receive one more communications from vehicle 110.Keyless entry device 140 a and 140 b implementations may include variousremote control key fobs known in the art. Keyless entry device 140 c mayinclude a smart key. The smart key may include various known devicesthat enable a user of the smart key to operate a vehicle withoutpressing buttons on the smart key. Such smart keys may also enable theuser to start the vehicle engine by pressing a button inside the vehiclewithout using a mechanical key. Keyless entry device 140 d may include acellular communication device, such as a cellular telephone that isconfigured to communicate with the vehicle. In these implementations,for example, the cellular telephone may be configured to operate vehiclefunctions. In some implementations, keyless entry device 140 dcommunicates with the vehicle via a telephone network, and/or viashort-range communication protocol such as protocols used by key fobsknown in the art.

FIG. 5 illustrates examples of vehicle interface component 130,according to various implementations of the invention. According tovarious implementations of the invention, vehicle interface component130 may include, for instance, a steering wheel 130 a, a transmissionshifter 130 b, a radio control 130 c, seat 140 d, and/or other interfacedevice of vehicle 110. Vehicle interface component 130 may include anactuator (not otherwise illustrated in FIG. 5) that outputs a hapticeffect in response to a control signal from vehicle 110. In this manner,vehicle 110 may communicate the vehicle information to user while theuser is interfacing with or otherwise in contact with vehicle 110. Forexample, vehicle 110 may cause vehicle component 130 to generate ahaptic effect that haptically communicates the vehicle information whenthe user starts vehicle 110 or otherwise interfaces with vehicle 110 (byturning on the radio, for example).

In some implementations, vehicle 110 may communicate the control signalto both vehicle interface component 130 and keyless interface device140.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 600 for generating ahaptic effect at keyless entry device 140 based on a response fromvehicle 110, according to various implementations of the invention. Thedescribed operations for the flow diagram illustrated in FIG. 6 and inother drawing figures may be accomplished using some or all of thesystem components described in detail above and, in someimplementations, various operations may be performed in differentsequences. According to various implementations of the invention,additional operations may be performed along with some or all of theoperations shown in the depicted flow diagrams. In yet otherimplementations, one or more operations may be performed simultaneously.Accordingly, the operations as illustrated (and described in greaterdetail below) are examples by nature and, as such, should not be viewedas limiting.

According to various implementations of the invention, in an operation602, a communication channel (such as communication channel 102) may beestablished by a keyless entry device (such as keyless entry device 140)with a vehicle (such as vehicle 110). In an operation 604, keyless entrydevice 140 may communicate a command to vehicle 110 to perform one ormore vehicle functions. For example, a user operating keyless entrydevice 140 may press a lock button on keyless entry device 140 to lockcar doors.

In an operation 604, keyless entry device 140 may receive a responsefrom vehicle 110. In some implementations, the response may be relatedto the command. For instance, the response may acknowledge that thecommand has been received by vehicle 110 and/or otherwise indicate astatus of the command such as a confirmation that the one or morevehicle functions have been successfully performed. In someimplementations, the response may be unrelated to the command. Forinstance, the response may be include vehicle information that isunrelated to the command, such as a maintenance reminder and/or awarning that alerts the user to a dangerous condition related to vehicle110. In this manner, when the keyless entry device 140 is used tocommunicate a command to lock car doors, for example, vehicle 110 mayrespond with a maintenance reminder, warning information, and/or orother vehicle information. In an operation 608, keyless entry device 140may output a haptic effect based on the response from vehicle 110,thereby communicating the response at keyless entry device 140.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 700 for generatinghaptic feedback at keyless entry device 140 when in communication rangewith vehicle 110, according to various implementations of the invention.According to various implementations of the invention, in an operation702, a keyless entry device (such as keyless entry device 140) mayestablish a communication channel (such as communication channel 102)with a vehicle (such as vehicle 110) when keyless entry device 140 andvehicle 110 are within communication range of one another. In otherwords, communication channel 102 may be established when a determinationis made that keyless entry device 140 and vehicle 110 are withincommunication range. In some implementations, vehicle 110 may make thedetermination. In other implementations of the invention, keyless entrydevice 140 may make the determination. In an operation 704, keylessentry device 140 may receive a control signal from vehicle 110 prior tocommunicating a command to vehicle 110 on communication channel 102. Inthis manner, vehicle 110 may communicate the vehicle information fromvehicle 110 to keyless entry device 140 without user intervention (forexample, without the user having knowledge that vehicle 110 and keylessentry device 140 are in range and/or when the user has not otherwisecommunicated a command to vehicle 110 using keyless entry device 140).In an operation 706, keyless entry device 140 may output a haptic effectbased on the control signal. Thus, the user operating or otherwise incontact with keyless entry device 140 may be notified of vehicleinformation. For example, vehicle 110 may communicate proximityinformation that alerts the user that keyless entry device 140 is withincommunication range of vehicle 110 or otherwise provide the user withother vehicle information at keyless entry device 140.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of an exemplary process 800 for generating acontrol signal at vehicle 110 that causes haptic feedback at keylessentry device 140, according to various implementations of the invention.According to various implementations of the invention, in an operation802, a vehicle (such as vehicle 110) may establish a communicationchannel (such as communication channel 102) with a keyless entry device(such as keyless entry device 140). In an operation 804, vehicle 110 mayobtain the vehicle information by retrieving and/or receiving thevehicle information from a memory (such as memory 234) or other vehiclecomponent.

In an operation 806, vehicle 110 may determine a control signal based onthe vehicle information. In other words, different control signals maybe determined for different vehicle information. For example, a firstcontrol signal may be determined for an oil change reminder, a secondcontrol signal may be determined for a tune-up reminder, a third controlsignal may be determined for a low tire pressure warning, and/or othercontrol signals may be determined for other vehicle information. In anoperation 808, the control signal may be output to keyless entry device140. The control signal may cause keyless entry device 140 to output ahaptic effect that corresponds to the vehicle information. Thus, vehicle110 may communicate the vehicle information by generating acorresponding control signal that causes keyless entry device 140 tooutput a haptic effect that haptically communicates the vehicleinformation.

Implementations of the invention may be made in hardware, firmware,software, or any suitable combination thereof. Implementations of theinvention may also be implemented as instructions stored on amachine-readable medium, which may be read and executed by one or moreprocessors. A tangible machine-readable medium may include any mechanismfor storing or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine(e.g., a computing device). For example, a tangible machine-readablestorage medium may include read only memory, random access memory,magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memorydevices, and other tangible storage media. Intangible machine-readabletransmission media may include intangible forms of propagated signals,such as carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, and otherintangible transmission media. Further, firmware, software, routines, orinstructions may be described in the above disclosure in terms ofspecific exemplary implementations of the invention, and performingcertain actions. However, it will be apparent that such descriptions aremerely for convenience and that such actions in fact result fromcomputing devices, processors, controllers, or other devices executingthe firmware, software, routines, or instructions.

Implementations of the invention may be described as including aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every aspect orimplementation may not necessarily include the particular feature,structure, or characteristic. Further, when a particular feature,structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an aspector implementation, it will be understood that such feature, structure,or characteristic may be included in connection with otherimplementations, whether or not explicitly described. Thus, variouschanges and modifications may be made to the provided descriptionwithout departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. As such,the specification and drawings should be regarded as exemplary only, andthe scope of the invention to be determined solely by the appendedclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A keyless entry device, comprising: a transceiverconfigured to communicate, over a communication channel, with a vehicle;a haptic actuator coupled to a drive circuit; and a processor, coupledto the transceiver and the drive circuit, configured to: determineproximity information between the keyless entry device and the vehicle;select a control signal based on the proximity information, and outputthe control signal to the drive circuit to cause the haptic actuator toperiodically or continuously generate a haptic effect to a user.
 2. Thekeyless entry device according to claim 1, wherein the proximityinformation includes a distance between the keyless entry device and thevehicle.
 3. The keyless entry device according to claim 2, wherein theprocessor determines the distance based on a strength of a signalcommunicated over the communication channel between the haptic entrydevice and the vehicle.
 4. The keyless entry device according to claim2, wherein the processor determines the distance based on a Dopplershift of a signal communicated over the communication channel betweenthe haptic entry device and the vehicle.
 5. The keyless entry deviceaccording to claim 2, further comprising: a Global Positioning System(GPS) receiver configured to generate GPS position information for thekeyless entry device, wherein the processor determines the distancebased on the GPS position information for the keyless entry device andGPS position information for the vehicle received over the communicationchannel.
 6. The keyless entry device according to claim 2, wherein theproximity information includes a first distance determined at a firsttime and a second distance determined at a second time, and theprocessor is further configured to: select a first control signal forthe first distance and output the first control signal to the drivecircuit at the first time, and select a second control signal for thesecond distance and output the second control signal to the drivecircuit at the second time, the second control signal being differentthan the first control signal.
 7. The keyless entry device according toclaim 6, wherein, when the second distance is greater than the firstdistance, the second control signal causes the haptic actuator togenerate a stronger haptic effect than the first control signal.
 8. Thekeyless entry device according to claim 6, wherein, when the seconddistance is smaller than the first distance, the second control signalcauses the haptic actuator to generate a stronger haptic effect than thefirst control signal.
 9. The keyless entry device according to claim 1,wherein the haptic actuator periodically or continuously generates thehaptic effect after the keyless entry device is out of communicationrange with the vehicle.
 10. The keyless entry device according to claim1, wherein the communication range is based on the distance.
 11. Amethod for generating haptic feedback at a keyless entry device having aprocessor, the method comprising: establishing a communication channelwith a vehicle; determining proximity information between the keylessentry device and the vehicle; selecting a control signal based on theproximity information, and outputting the control signal to a drivecircuit to cause a haptic actuator to periodically or continuouslygenerate a haptic effect to a user.
 12. The method according to claim11, wherein the proximity information includes a distance between thekeyless entry device and the vehicle, and the method further comprises:determining the distance between the keyless entry device and thevehicle based on at least one of: a strength of a signal communicatedover the communication channel between the haptic entry device and thevehicle; a Doppler shift of a signal communicated over the communicationchannel between the haptic entry device and the vehicle; or GPS positioninformation for the keyless entry device and GPS position informationfor the vehicle received over the communication channel.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 12, wherein the proximity information includes afirst distance determined at a first time and a second distancedetermined at a second time, and the method further comprises: selectinga first control signal for the first distance and outputting the firstcontrol signal to the drive circuit at the first time, and selecting asecond control signal for the second distance and outputting the secondcontrol signal to the drive circuit at the second time, the secondcontrol signal being different than the first control signal.
 14. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein: when the second distance isgreater than the first distance, the second control signal causes thehaptic actuator to generate a stronger haptic effect than the firstcontrol signal, or when the second distance is smaller than the firstdistance, the second control signal causes the haptic actuator togenerate a stronger haptic effect than the first control signal.
 15. Themethod according to claim 11, wherein the haptic actuator periodicallyor continuously generates the haptic effect after the keyless entrydevice is out of communication range with the vehicle.
 16. Acomputer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by aprocessor of a keyless entry device, cause the keyless entry device togenerate haptic feedback, the generating comprising: establishing acommunication channel with a vehicle; determining proximity informationbetween the keyless entry device and the vehicle; selecting a controlsignal based on the proximity information, and outputting the controlsignal to a drive circuit to cause a haptic actuator to periodically orcontinuously generate a haptic effect to a user.
 17. Thecomputer-readable medium according to claim 16, wherein the proximityinformation includes a distance between the keyless entry device and thevehicle, and wherein the generating further comprises: determining thedistance between the keyless entry device and the vehicle based on atleast one of: a strength of a signal communicated over the communicationchannel between the haptic entry device and the vehicle; a Doppler shiftof a signal communicated over the communication channel between thehaptic entry device and the vehicle; or GPS position information for thekeyless entry device and GPS position information for the vehiclereceived over the communication channel.
 18. The computer-readablemedium according to claim 17, wherein the proximity information includesa first distance determined at a first time and a second distancedetermined at a second time, and wherein the generating furthercomprises: selecting a first control signal for the first distance andoutputting the first control signal to the drive circuit at the firsttime, and selecting a second control signal for the second distance andoutputting the second control signal to the drive circuit at the secondtime, the second control signal being different than the first controlsignal.
 19. The computer-readable medium according to claim 18, wherein:when the second distance is greater than the first distance, the secondcontrol signal causes the haptic actuator to generate a stronger hapticeffect than the first control signal, or when the second distance issmaller than the first distance, the second control signal causes thehaptic actuator to generate a stronger haptic effect than the firstcontrol signal.
 20. The computer-readable medium according to claim 16,wherein the haptic actuator periodically or continuously generates thehaptic effect after the keyless entry device is out of communicationrange with the vehicle.